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Have you ever Thought About –

Simplifying your contributions to the church? You can have your bank send us a check automatically (at no cost to you), either weekly or monthly, from your checking or savings account.

To begin this process, go to your bank and fill out a simple form directing an amount sent to St. Thomas the Apostle on a schedule you choose.

• For those who leave town occasionally, this eliminates having to notify us when you are leaving and returning, and eliminates return postage (which costs us $.59 per packet returned) if you’re not home when your envelopes arrive.
• Others find it easier to send automatic payments than to try to remember envelopes on a busy Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.

Please note: depending on when you notify us of an envelope change, there is a one-to-three month delay before the change takes effect; envelopes are mailed every two months (on the even months) and we have to notify the envelope company a month in advance of changes.

As Mother Angelica says, "Don't forget to put us between your gas and electric bill."

Bequests
Your will is a meaningful way to make a charitable gift of lasting value to St. Thomas the Apostle. Through a bequest provision, you can designate a specific amount of money, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after other bequests are satisfied. Adding a codicil to an existing will is a simple process that begins by making your intentions known to your attorney.

Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity is a life income agreement between a donor and St. Thomas the Apostle. In exchange for your gift, you receive fixed payments for your lifetime, and or the lifetime of another person. You are entitled to a partial tax deduction in the year of the gift, and a portion of each payment is tax free, for a period of years as well. The size of the payments is based on the amount of the gift and the annuitant’s age. Gift annuity plans start at $10,000 with income payments beginning at age 65 or older.

Cash Gifts
Outright cash gifts are the most common form of giving and are as easy as writing a check to St. Thomas the Apostle. Your gift is tax deductible and becomes immediately available to support the important work of our parishes. Following are some other ways of giving, which you may wish to consider.

Matching Gifts
More than 1,000 companies match the employee’s gift to charitable organizations. In this way, it’s possible to double or sometimes triple the value of your gift. Please check with your personnel office, to see if your employer participates. To initiate a matching gift complete your employer’s matching gift form and send it along to us when making your contribution.

Memorial and Tribute Giving
Gifts in memory of deceased friends and loved ones, or gifts which honor living individuals, are often used to reflect the interests or talents of the person honored. Any gift to St. Thomas the Apostle may be designated in memory of, or in honor of a loved one.

Gifts Of Personal Property
You can make a gift of personal property, such as art, equipment, car or collections. A tax deduction is allowed for the full market value if the object is long-term gain property and its use is related to our tax-exempt mission.

Gift of Life Insurance
Life insurance may be an especially attractive gift vehicle if you own a policy that is no longer needed for its original purpose. In addition, those who qualify for low-cost premiums may find it more affordable and convenient to plan a significant gift to the parishes using life insurance. By naming St. Thomas the Apostle as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy you can take an immediate tax deduction for the accumulated cash value of the policy, (if any) and a future deduction for any subsequent premiums which you pay.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities
If you own long-term securities that have appreciated in value, you may prefer to contribute securities, rather than cash. In this way, you can avoid paying capital gains tax that would be due if you sold the securities. You can also take a tax deduction for the current fair market value of the securities given.

Gifts of Real Estate
Virtually any real property, a home, office building, or land, can become a gift to St. Thomas the Apostle. You can take a tax deduction of the full fair market value of the real estate donated and also avoid any penalty capital gains tax. It’s also possible to retain life interest and receive a partial tax deduction while you continue to use this property.

For More Information
If any of these ideas interest you, please feel free to contact us for further information: St. Thomas the Apostle 342-2323. For specific advice about taxes, wills, or legal arrangements, it is important that you consult with professional adviser. Thank you for your considering supporting our parish.

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